The standard is a "reckless disregard for the truth", and it seems to me that by republication of an item without ascertaining it's veracity, the station has put itself in a tough situation. The real issue seems to be damages.

Obama would think being called gay is a good joke, as would the vast majority of people who voted for him. I don't know if Kay Hagan would care or not, but I somehow doubt it. Gay or not gay simply isn't a big issue on the left. That's why this is so hilarious.

James, you dismiss political reality way too easily. If someone clearly intended that the public believe that Obama or Hagan were gay, you can bet that both of them would vehemently deny it.

As for duality, Hagan has no leeway. Remember how she wasn't going to run for Senate and then got back in when the only Democratic candidate was a gay man? Who talked her in to that? Sorry, but when an actual gay man did run for public office it was the Democrats who ran for cover.

I don't think anyone would vehemently deny anything. They'd laugh it off. They'd say, "I'm not gay, but what if I were? Would that mean the work I'm doing is irrelevant or somehow less important? This is not an issue."

And if they were especially bold, they might add: "For the life of me, I can't understand why you're obsessed with this?"

i read his denial, but he didn't mention whether the person he was rumored to have eloped with was a man or a woman. his clothes had to come from QueerEye.com. GOP gays are usually bus station bandits, dark blue suits and non-nurturing types, unless they're hired to ask the really tough questions at White House press conferences. My wife claims to have gaydar. She says the fellow is just a dandy...he prefers himself to either sex.

Public figures have to show that alleged defamation was committed with actual malice, and truth is an absolute defense. I expect the discovery about Tom's social life during the years he worked in Washington and his vacation habits would be pretty interesting. This lawsuit, if there ever is one, but more likely just the threatening letter, is a short-term political tactic.

It goes back to my longstanding point on karma. We seem to think the universe is "getting back" on our enemies when they get kicked. Who is to say that the universe is not richly rewarding them when they are doing well? It all depends on your mindset. If it fits, we tend to give it credence.

Having said that, I remember a pic of Fetzer that the N&O ran prominently when he was mayor and it featured him lip-smacking an attractive LPGA golfer after a successful putt.

Some media figures deserve to be sued when they behave recklessly. (Is any of this admissible, Sam?)

I was going to say what Ed said about a radio guy knowing how easy it is to get axed over something said on the air and therefore not wishing such a thing on his enemies. You never know what end of the karma you'll be on. But the revenge factor is universally understood. I'll bet O'Reilly would love for Olbermann to get his ass sued for something he said on the air and vice versa.